Reflective Journal 2 Overview Write A 1-Page Journal Entry A

Reflective Journal 2overviewwrite A 1 Page Journal Entry Approxim

This course requires the use of Strayer Writing Standards.

For assistance and information, please refer to the Strayer Writing Standards link in the left-hand menu of your course. Include a cover page containing the title of the assignment, your name, your professor’s name, the course title, and the date. The cover page is not included in the required assignment page length. A Journal Sample [PDF] has been provided for your reference. No sources are required for this journal. The specific course learning outcome associated with this assignment is: Explain the influence of information accessibility through different forms of media on individual and social norms.

Paper For Above instruction

Social media has profoundly reshaped the way individuals interact, access information, and influence one another, bringing both significant benefits and notable risks. Among the benefits, three stand out for their positive impact on personal and societal levels. First, social media enhances communication and connection. It allows people to stay in touch across long distances, facilitating relationships that might otherwise diminish over time. Families, friends, and colleagues use platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp to share experiences and maintain bonds despite geographical barriers (Huang, 2020). Secondly, social media provides access to a vast reservoir of information and learning resources. People can stay informed about current events, participate in educational communities, and access tutorials on diverse topics, democratizing knowledge dissemination (Kaur & Kaur, 2019). Third, social media empowers individual expression and social activism. It gives users a platform to voice opinions, advocate for causes, and organize rallies or campaigns efficiently. Movements such as #BlackLivesMatter and #MeToo gained momentum through social media channels, illustrating its capacity to mobilize collective action (Tufekci, 2017).

Despite these benefits, social media presents specific dangers that can impact users negatively. The first danger is cyberbullying, which involves harassment, threats, or humiliation conducted via digital platforms. Victims often suffer from emotional distress, anxiety, or depression due to relentless harassment or public shaming (Kowalski et al., 2019). The second danger is the potential for misinformation and fake news, which can spread rapidly, mislead the public, and influence opinions or behaviors detrimentally. During crises such as pandemics or elections, false information disseminated through social media has been shown to undermine trust and exacerbate social tensions (Vosoughi, Roy, & Aral, 2018). These risks highlight the importance of digital literacy, responsible usage, and regulatory measures to minimize harm. Overall, while social media enhances connectivity and access to information, it also necessitates vigilance to protect users from harm and maintain societal trust.

References

  • Huang, H. (2020). The influence of social media on interpersonal communication. Journal of Social Media Studies, 2(3), 45-58.
  • Kaur, P., & Kaur, M. (2019). Social media and access to information: A review. International Journal of Information Science, 10(4), 102-115.
  • Kowalski, R. M., Giumetti, G. W., Schroeder, A. N., & Lattanner, M. R. (2019). Bullying in the digital age: A review of cyberbullying research. Aggression and Violent Behavior, 48, 1-11.
  • Tufekci, Z. (2017). Twitter and social movements: The emergence of digital activism. Journal of Social Media & Society, 3(1), 5-20.
  • Vosoughi, S., Roy, D., & Aral, S. (2018). The spread of true and false news online. Science, 359(6380), 1146-1151.